Oxime ether analogs of sex pheromone components of turnip moth (Agrotis segetum Schiffermüller).

Oxime ether analogs of sex pheromone components of the turnip moth (Agrotis segetum Schiff.) were synthesized by the acidolytic opening of cyclic enol ethers withO-alkyl hydroxylamine hydrochlorides. The compounds varying in chain lengths and in the position of the C=N double bond were studied by electrophysiological single sensillum recordings (electrosen-sillography: ESG). The ESG data indicate in general reduced receptor interaction of all analogs investigated in comparison with natural pheromone components of the turnip moth. The data also show that the grade of decrease of receptor interaction depends on specific structural changes within the molecule. The results demonstrate high complementary pheromone-receptor relationships, predominantly depending on the position of the unsaturated group in the chain, whereas analogs with other structural changes are still recognized as a pheromone-like compound by the receptor.